IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has “all the tools” to take over the division, says his promoter Frank Warren.
Daniel Dubois: Frank Warren Wants Re-Match with Oleksandr Usyk
In the wake of the highly anticipated heavyweight title bout between Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk, British boxing promoter Frank Warren is calling for a rematch. The first encounter, which took place earlier this year, ended in controversy and left Dubois and his team feeling that justice was not served. Warren, who has been a vocal advocate for Dubois, believes that his fighter deserves another shot at Usyk’s titles, arguing that the outcome of the initial fight was marred by contentious decisions.
The Controversial First Fight
The fight between Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk was one of the most talked-about events in the boxing world. Dubois, known for his power and potential, was seen as a rising star in the heavyweight division. Usyk, on the other hand, was already an established champion with an impressive resume, including victories over some of the biggest names in the sport.
The fight itself was a competitive affair, with both fighters having their moments. However, the controversy arose in the fifth round when Dubois landed a body shot that many believed was a legitimate knockdown. The referee, however, deemed it a low blow, giving Usyk time to recover and eventually regain control of the fight. Usyk went on to win by stoppage in the ninth round, but the debate over the legitimacy of the body shot and the referee’s decision has lingered.
Frank Warren’s Case for a Rematch
Frank Warren has been unwavering in his stance that Dubois was unfairly treated in the first fight. He argues that the body shot in question was legal and that the referee’s decision to call it a low blow was a critical error that changed the course of the fight. According to Warren, this decision denied Dubois a potential victory and, by extension, the heavyweight titles that were on the line.
Warren is now pushing for a rematch, stating that Dubois deserves a second chance to prove himself against Usyk. He has been vocal in the media, appealing to both boxing authorities and fans to support his call for another bout. Warren believes that a rematch would not only settle the controversy but also provide fans with a definitive conclusion to the rivalry between Dubois and Usyk.
The Road Ahead
Whether or not a rematch will be granted remains to be seen. Oleksandr Usyk, who is now eyeing unification bouts with other top heavyweights like Tyson Fury, may not be immediately inclined to revisit the Dubois fight. However, the pressure from Frank Warren and the ongoing public debate about the first fight could influence the decision.
For Daniel Dubois, the prospect of a rematch offers a chance at redemption. The young fighter remains determined to reach the top of the heavyweight division, and a victory over Usyk in a rematch would undoubtedly elevate his status in the boxing world. As the discussions continue, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Dubois gets another shot at glory.
Following his stunning five-round world title demolition of fellow Briton Anthony Joshua on Saturday, Warren wants Dubois to face WBO, WBA and WBC champion Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch next.
Dubois fought Usyk in August 2023, with the Ukrainian winning via a ninth-round stoppage.
Dubois, 27, was elevated to IBF champion after Usyk vacated the belt in June, just weeks after beating Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 25 years.
“The fight I would like to see him in now is Usyk again,” Warren told BBC 5 Live. “He is a different Daniel Dubois, he is more mature physically and mentally.
“He will go from strength to strength. He will be here for a while, he is a young man and has all the tools to take this division over.
“There is a clause [for a rematch with Joshua] in his contract but not in ours. But that’s not to say we wouldn’t do it. It’s something we’ll sit down and discuss.”
Usyk was ringside at Wembley, taking a brief break from his training camp as he prepares for a rematch with Fury on 21 December.
There was controversy in the fifth round when Dubois and Usyk met in 2023.
The Brit sent Usyk to the canvas, but it was ruled a low blow by the referee, with Usyk given almost four minutes to recover.
“Dubois lost his composure [after the incident],” said Warren. “I think that was down to the fact he was a bit younger and he probably did not have the ring savviness to deal with it.
“But now he is a different guy altogether, as you saw on Saturday night.”